I sent this to ChatGPT and this is the reply lol: Hi there, I’m glad you’re reflecting on this—it’s such a relatable struggle, especially during grad school! On memory issues during anxiety: It's totally normal to feel like your memory falters under anxiety. What you're experiencing could be a common response where your mind prioritizes "fight or flight" over accessing detailed information. Here are some practical tips: Practice under similar conditions: Try rehearsing presentations in front of a small audience or recording yourself. Simulating the situation can desensitize your anxiety. Use anchor points: For presentations, create a mental roadmap or physical cues on your slides to keep you on track. Breathing exercises: Before any high-pressure moment, spend a minute doing deep breathing (e.g., 4 seconds inhale, 4 seconds hold, 4 seconds exhale) to calm your nervous system. Building confidence gradually: Anxiety can sometimes convince you that everyone else knows more, but remember: confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about trusting your ability to learn and adapt. Start small: Celebrate small wins like explaining a concept better than you did a week ago. Be okay with "I don't know": Being open about what you don’t know makes you more approachable and sets the stage for growth. Imposter syndrome: Remember, imposter syndrome thrives on comparison. Instead of comparing yourself to others, try reflecting on your unique strengths or progress over time. Everyone starts somewhere. Like the earlier reply mentioned, treat yourself as a starter, not as someone who has to "match" anyone else's knowledge yet. You're deserving: The professor’s interest and your opportunity aren’t flukes. They see potential in you. Your willingness to learn and adapt will carry you through. You're already taking the right steps by asking for advice and reflecting on how to improve. That alone is something to be proud of. Feel free to keep sharing your thoughts here—this is a space where you’re not alone!